Governing Vessel 21 (DU 21) Qian Ding — Before the Vertex

This point, anterior to the vertex, relieves headache, benefits the nose and extinguishes wind.

Governing Vessel 21 (DU 21) Qian Ding 前頂 — Before the Vertex

Location

On the head, on the midline, 3.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline (1.5 cun anterior to DU-20).

Anatomy

On the epicranial aponeurosis; the anastomosis of the frontal and superficial temporal arteries; the branch of the frontal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Relieves headache and dizziness
  • Benefits the nose and extinguishes wind

Indications

Headache and dizziness, nasal congestion, facial swelling, and childhood convulsions.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With DU-20 and DU-23 for headache and nasal disorders.

Classical Text References

A point of the Du Mai anterior to the vertex.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.